Former Premiership Stars Blasts Concussion Panel For Not Punishing Northampton

Former Saracens captain Alistair Hargreaves has blasted the review panel for not punishing Northampton.

Hargreaves says the failure to sanction Northampton for their handling of George North’s latest head injury a “disgrace”. The former Saracens lock had his career taken away from him at just 30 this year as a result of a history of concussions.

The Concussion Management Review Group revealed yesterday that while they believe North should not have returned to action in the Premiership game, Northampton will not be punished for their actions.

They released the following statement.

The CMRG has concluded its review into a head injury incident involving Northampton Saints’ George North,” the group’s statement reads.

“The CMRG’s view is that there was sufficient evidence to conclude not only from the video evidence but also George North’s history and risk stratification that he should not have returned to the field of play.

“Northampton Saints medical team have accepted that North may have lost consciousness and therefore should not have returned to play.

“The CMRG considered the welfare of North was always at the centre of Northampton’s actions, and does not consider that the medical team (or the club) failed to complete the HIA protocol nor intentionally ignored the player’s best interests.”

Two months ago Hargreaves, Saracens’ 2015 Aviva Premiership-winning captain, announced his retirement from the game at the age of 30 after suffering five concussions in two years.

Reacting to the findings of the review, Hargreaves voiced his anger.